Trace Detection Wand ¿ Sampling and Detecting Explosives Closer to the Source

As the trace detection portal systems being deployed into the airport check points, detecting explosives from airline passengers has become possible. In this proposal, we use a sample collection method that is similar to the one used in the portal systems; however, instead of using large scale air handling system to release, collection, and transport samples to the detector, we decided to bring the detector closer to targeted explosive residues. As the handheld metal detectors are used to detect weapons on selectees after walkthrough metal detector alarms, trace detection wand may be used to resolve alarms generated by the trace portal systems. The proposed trace detection wand is capable to release particles on cloth, extract vapors under the cloth, preconentate both in the wand, and then detect them with an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) in the next few seconds. The technology that enables the trace detection wand configuration is a rugged IMS with a non-radioactive ionization source. With the size comparable with the handheld metal detector, the battery operated trace detection wand is to detect explosives on people with higher sensitivity than the portal systems. It is intend to be used in same fashion as handheld metal detector.